Celebrating Jesus During These Holy Days

I want to be clear: I’m not anti-Christian. Some of my closest friends and yoga students are wonderful, loving Christians—you know who you are!

Though I’m not Christian, I deeply respect and appreciate what it means to live as one. Similarly, while I’m not a yogi, I practice the universal teachings of Yoga. I’m not Hindu, but I honor the wisdom of the Vedas. I’m not Buddhist, yet its philosophy deeply resonates with me. And while I was born into a male Vietnamese body, I see myself as more than any label or identity. I am that—a sentient being (purusha tattva), a spiritual being having a human experience.

I am also profoundly grateful to live in the United States, a country that allows me the freedom to seek truth and pursue happiness. My practice of yoga and universal principles guides me daily toward love, compassion, tolerance, and understanding.

Jesus’ life has been a powerful inspiration on my spiritual journey. In fact, I keep a framed photo of Him on my altar as a reminder of His teachings and example. One of my favorite reflections on His life comes from the film The King of Kings, and I’d love to share my thoughts on the profound teachings it portrays.

"As We Reflect on These Holy Days…"
As we reflect and celebrate these Holy Days, I am reminded of one of my favorite movies featuring my favorite Jew, Jesus, the Christ: The King of Kings. I love how the story of this incarnation of God teaches yoga, Vedanta, and Buddhism in both word and deed throughout the movie.

Watching The King of Kings through the lens of yoga, Vedanta, and even Buddhist principles reveals a profound connection between Jesus' life and the timeless truths of these paths. While the film portrays Jesus' mission to bring light, love, and truth, we see reflections of yogic philosophy in nearly every aspect of his journey.

The King of Kings: A Yogic Perspective on Jesus' Teachings
1. Jesus as a Teacher of Vedanta
In The King of Kings, Jesus declares, "The Kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21). This aligns with the Vedantic teaching that divine truth resides within every being and encourages self-inquiry to realize unity with the infinite.
His serene response to challenges and his ultimate sacrifice reflect the Vedantic principle of transcending duality, echoed in his statement: "I and the Father are one." (John 10:30). This corresponds to the Chandogya Upanishad: "Tat Tvam Asi" (Thou Art That).

2. The Karma Yogi
Jesus’ life, as portrayed in the movie, is a testament to selfless action. When he heals the sick, feeds the hungry, or washes his disciples’ feet, he exemplifies Karma Yoga—service without attachment to rewards.
One pivotal moment in the film is when Jesus says:
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45).
This teaching reflects the Bhagavad Gita (2.47):
"Karmanye vadhikaraste, Ma phaleshu kadachana"
"You have the right to perform your duties but not to the fruits of your actions."

3. The Bhakti Yogi
In The King of Kings, Jesus’ unwavering devotion to God is demonstrated in his prayers, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he says:
"Not my will, but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42).
This complete surrender to divine will mirrors Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of devotion. His commandment to love--"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37)—reflects the Bhagavad Gita (9.22):
"To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I provide what they lack and preserve what they have."

4. The Meditative Mystic
Jesus frequently withdraws to pray in solitude, a recurring theme in the movie. For instance, before selecting his disciples, he spends the entire night in prayer, as depicted in:
"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (Luke 5:16).
This act mirrors Dhyana, the yogic practice of meditation, and the Bhagavad Gita (6.10):
"The yogi should constantly practice meditation, remaining in solitude, with the mind and body controlled."

5. Buddhist Resonance
The Sermon on the Mount, a highlight of The King of Kings, encapsulates Jesus' profound wisdom and compassion. Statements like:
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5)
and
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44)
echo Buddhist teachings on humility, non-attachment, and universal compassion.
This aligns with the Dhammapada (223):
"Conquer anger by love, conquer evil by good, conquer the miser by giving, conquer the liar by truth."

Moments from The King of Kings
Specific moments in the movie that highlight these universal principles include:

• Healing the Blind: When Jesus heals the blind man, he says, "Your faith has healed you." This act of service (Karma Yoga) also emphasizes the inner power of faith and devotion (Bhakti Yoga).
• The Feeding of the 5,000: Jesus blesses and multiplies loaves and fishes, demonstrating selfless service and abundance through surrender to divine will.
• Confronting Injustice with Peace: During his trial, Jesus remains calm and silent before Pilate, embodying non-attachment and the middle path.
• Forgiveness on the Cross: Jesus prays, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." This act epitomizes compassion and love for all, transcending suffering.

Reflection
Jesus' life and teachings, as portrayed in The King of Kings, invite both yoga practitioners and Christians to explore the universal truths of love, service, and inner realization.

As you reflect on the movie, consider:

• How do Jesus' teachings encourage us to live as modern-day yogis?
• In what ways can these universal principles bridge faiths, inspiring unity and love?

Let us open our hearts to the wisdom of Jesus and the universal teachings he represents. How does his life inspire your spiritual journey? Let’s celebrate the unity of these Holy Days together. ✨🕊️

—Wishing peace, joy, and love to you all, in every language and tradition:
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Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noël, Buon Natale, Frohe Weihnachten, Feliz Natal, God Jul, Glædelig Jul, Vrolijk Kerstfeest, С Рождеством! (S Rozhdestvom), Καλά Χριστούγεννα! (Kala Christougenna), 圣诞快乐 (Shèngdàn kuàilè), メリークリスマス (Merī Kurisumasu), 메리 크리스마스 (Meri Keuriseumaseu), Happy Hanukkah, Chag Sameach, Hanukkah Sameach, Gut Yontif, Happy Kwanzaa, Habari Gani?, Happy New Year, Feliz Año Nuevo, Bonne Année, Buon Anno, Frohes Neues Jahr, Selamat Tahun Baru, Yeni Yılınız Kutlu Olsun, С Новым Годом! (S Novym Godom), Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu, Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings, Warm Winter Wishes, Joyous Festivities, Festive Greetings, Peace and Joy, Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pace, Paix, Frieden, Salam Alaikum, Wa Alaikum Salaam, Aloha, Namaste, Joyous Yule, Blessed Solstice, Happy Winter Solstice, Happy Bodhi Day, Diwali Greetings, Happy Festivus, Happy Hogmanay, Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon, Eid Mubarak.​  🎄🕎✨

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